Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) embarked on a new journey under the leadership of former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis. The team got off to the best possible start with the bat after being sent in by Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign opener. 

However, old problems came back to haunt the Bangalore-based franchise as they failed to defend a score in excess of 200. It was a high-scoring encounter at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai where Punjab Kings emerged victorious. Chasing 206 for the win, Punjab got over the line with an over to spare. 

A spectacular run-chase by @PunjabKingsIPL in a high-scoring thriller sums up a Super Sunday #TATAIPL #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/7x90qu4YjI

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 27, 2022

RCB bowlers, just like the past seasons, looked toothless on a wicket that was a paradise for the batters. They lacked variations and a few hiccups in the field also didn't help their cause as they began their campaign with a five-wicket loss. 

RCB have never won an IPL trophy and with a change in guard at the helm after Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain, the fans were expecting some fresh ideas and a change in fortune but they were once again left disappointed. 

Power hitting at its finest by @PunjabKingsIPL

Live - https://t.co/LiRFG8lgc7 #TATAIPL #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/lHh7Le7yYY

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 27, 2022

Some of the bowling changes made by Du Plessis were just baffling to see as he missed the trick by not bowling Shahbaz Ahmed in the middle overs after the spinner gave away just six runs while bowling inside the powerplay. 

Fans expressed their feelings by slamming the franchise for not having a clear game plan and repeating old mistakes from the previous seasons which have cost them dearly.

Aren't you tired of this shit to repeat it on daily basis every year?? https://t.co/nirvXLEt2s

— NJ. (@Kohlineffable) March 27, 2022

Last match me bhi same line likhna a lond way to go
Pta nhi ye drama inka kb tk chlega https://t.co/C0Oii79JZk

— Sagar_MSDIAN (@Sagar15100781) March 27, 2022

We've been regrouping from the inaugural edition in 2008... #RCB #IPL2022 https://t.co/dstDIuWNJC

— Yesh (@yeshwinj) March 27, 2022

Yeah, the usual scenes. https://t.co/0I40zAKNM0

— B (@B_Mnn_) March 27, 2022

RCB 300 run bhi bana legi tab bhi nahi jeetega

— THE RO-HIT MAN (fc) (@nigam_dwivedi) March 27, 2022 

RCB had posted a total of 205 for the loss of two wickets in their 20 overs thanks to an explosive knock of 88 by their new captain Du Plessis. 

However, with Mohammed Siraj having an off day, RCB lacked a death bowler who could curb the runs against the big hitters like Odean Smith and Shahrukh Khan. 

Great start Special mention to Odean Smith for taking us home @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/TextkbnXL5

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) March 27, 2022

Smith and Khan put on an unbeaten 52-run stand for the sixth wicket off just 25 deliveries to take their side home. RCB will have to rethink their strategies when they face Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday (March 30).

View the full article